O'Donnell went on to say that she believes the public is not used to seeing close female friendship.

"People don't really understand or don't have the privilege of seeing a friendship between two women that is that deep. I have the same best friend that I've had since I was 3. I know the intensity of that relationship and what it feels like - to have someone you can depend on no matter what," she explained.

"So, I get it. And I don't think she was defending it as much as just answering all the speculation. She didn't seem defensive to me. If anything, it's just insulting to her integrity that people would consider that she was lying."

Winfrey recently confronted rumours about her sexuality in an interview with Barbara Walters.